Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

While the precast concrete pipe industry in Canada is more than a century old, it has suffered shrinking market share over the last few decades due to emerging competition from flexible pipe products. Technological breakthroughs are needed to invigorate this industry, which will benefit the Canadian economy. Meeting the end-user expectations, reducing cost, developing robust performance-based specifications and mitigating hydrogen sulfide corrosion problems are central to this strategy. This research project is conducted in partnership between a major reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) producer in Ontario and researchers from Western University. The team will first critically examine the state-of-the-art of RCP production and testing and propose needed changes to current RCP standards. Accordingly, more robust and accurate tests to quantify the mechanical and hydrostatic performance of RCP will be proposed. Cost-effective single elliptical steel cage reinforcement will be explored as an alternative to the traditional double (inner and outer) steel cage reinforcement. A new internally lined pipe coined ""perfect pipe"" will be investigated as a new generation of high-performance and durable RCP. Technological breakthroughs in concrete technology and nano-coatings will be deployed to mitigate bacteria induced corrosion problems in sewer RCP. Highly qualified personnel will be trained at both Con Cast Pipe, Guelph and Oakville, Ontario and the Structures Laboratory at Western University. The project will help the company develop competitive edge and generate additional revenue through gaining increased market share. It will also help the Canadian RCP industry at large strategically position itself as the North American leader in standard practice and new product development.*